About This PhD Project

Project Description

Rationale Within the University of Bristol NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation and also the CLARHC West we undertake a varied programme of applied health research with a substantial element involving sexually transmitted infections. For example: evaluations of the national chlamydia screening programme, HIV and HCV modelling, studies of new diagnostic tests and point of care diagnostics as well as interventions studies e.g. improved partner notification.

In this research proposal we will review the economic basis for decision making for sexually transmitted infections in health care provision. There are several areas where there is uncertainty in how sexual health risk should be valued. For example many interventions impact more than one infection and similarly behaviour or other socio-demographic factors may put individuals at higher risk for multiple infections as well as HIV and unplanned pregnancies.

Aims & Objectives The aim of the proposal is to develop a framework for evaluating complex interventions for sexually transmitted infections which can be applied to existing and new interventions in a systematic way

Methods The student will undertake systematic review of existing literature of the health economic impact of interventions to control sexually transmitted infections. They will also develop a structured framework for comparing and evaluating interventions, with a focus on health economic evaluation.

Depending on the interest and expertise of the student the project may also involve further consideration of how to factor in transmission dynamic modelling, genetic data or qualitative information into the framework.